AI tools are becoming an essential part of content marketing. From helping you brainstorm article ideas to proofing your writing, these tools have many beneficial applications in the workplace.
And while AI can clean up your writing and improve the flow, it can also take your voice out of your own article. This is a critical error if you’re trying to establish yourself as an industry expert.
As a writer, this is especially concerning for me; I never want to lose my personal writing style and flair. Here are some strategies that have helped me use AI tools to strengthen my written content while also maintaining my voice.
1. Sharing a Personal Experience
Personal stories and anecdotes are especially impactful in blog posts. They draw the reader in, as it’s clear that the author of the post is, in fact, human. Think back to a recent conversation you had with a friend or a co-worker in the workplace. Did they say something that resonated with you? Did your discussion have any connection to your work, or apply to it in some way?
Whether it’s an observation from a work meeting or a comment your friend made over lunch, incorporate it into your post somehow. This not only shows your audience that you’re a living, breathing person, but it also shows them that you can think critically about day-to-day encounters.
2. Paying Attention to AI’s Quirks
AI – yes, artificial intelligence – is prone to using em dashes in its content. As a lover of em dashes myself, I’ve tried to use them sparingly when crafting an article from scratch. While a dash here and there gives the dramatic effect you’re going for, using dashes too often can do the opposite.
Grammatical quirks aside, AI’s biggest flaw is being too vague or abstract in its writing. What really underscores your humanity is doing a full-on deep dive into a concept and interviewing experts on that topic to support your claims. AI may work fast, but it lacks depth and can’t interview people in the field… Not yet, anyway.
3. Taking a Pen to Paper
I’ve always found comfort jotting notes and ideas down the old fashioned way. In an era where people are concerned about protecting their data online, there’s a certain vindication in knowing the only person who has access to your spiral-bound notepad is you. You have the freedom to write down whatever you want without feeling monitored or having to meet a certain word count.
Plus, writing notes by hand helps you minimize your screen time. In content marketing, most days require spending six to eight hours in front of a computer screen. Taking a pen to paper gives your eyes a rest and allows ideas to run more freely.
4. Utilizing Video
Beyond writing, video offers another effective way to preserve your voice. For many people, getting on camera doesn’t come naturally or feel comfortable. However, it’s one of the most effective ways to speak directly to your audience while getting in front of the people you want to reach. Video content is even more effective when you don’t speak from a script, as it gives an off-the-cuff feel that AI can’t replicate.
As a perfectionist, I always get frustrated when I stumble over my words or stutter when I’m being recorded. (This usually makes my stuttering worse!) But it’s moments like these that resonate with your audience the most. Humans are prone to making mistakes, and other people can relate to that. Authenticity and relatability are desirable traits in video content especially.
5. Making Social Media-Friendly Content
The number one thing that distinguishes humans from AI bots? Engagement. By sharing your content on LinkedIn, you’re further proving that you crafted a piece of content with your audience in mind. Sharing an article from your personal account underscores how it has real-world applications.
And remember, something that resonated with you will probably resonate with your audience as well. Your LinkedIn connections know who you are in some capacity. If you share an article or other piece of content that was crafted by you, they are more likely to read it.
AI Can’t Replicate Humanity
While AI is a helpful tool for content marketers, it shouldn’t write articles for your website from scratch. With its many grammatical tells and inability to research a topic in-depth, people have been able to spot AI-generated content quickly and easily.
Your humanity is what makes your content yours and allows other people to relate to it. With these five tips, you can preserve your unique written voice, shine brighter on video, and use AI only when it’s helpful and necessary.